Anthony Kukwa working for another NFL opportunity after being released by Raiders

Perry grad Anthony Kukwa is working out at Jack Britt Memorial Stadium in Painesville hoping to get another chance in the NFL.
Mark Podolski ­— The News-Herald

Anthony Kukwa spent the afternoon on Aug. 10 at Jack Britt Memorial Stadium in Painesville working with Sean Allgood.

Allgood is Lake Erie College’s wide receivers coach. After the Storm football team completed their third practice of the season, Allgood worked with Kukwa. Pass after pass was thrown by the coach to Kukwa, who, despite a recent hiccup, won’t give up on his dream of playing in the NFL.

“Every since I left Oakland, I’ve felt I had to improve, and that’s all I’ve been doing,” said Kukwa, who spends his days lifting, catching passes and long snapping. “Trying to get stronger and faster. The snaps are getting quicker too.”

Kukwa also said the Chargers have been in contact. Los Angeles told him the team has had recent injuries with a long snapper and two tight ends.

“Just waiting for a call,” said Kukwa, who played tight end for the Storm.

Kukwa also hired long snapping coach Kyle Stelter of Special Teams U to tweak his mechanics. The two have communicated through FaceTime. Stelter, a former NFL long snapper, lives in Wisconsin.

Stelter recently identified a flaw in Kukwa’s technique. His left hand was not following through properly, and the result was some of his snaps would sail away from the punter.

“My snapping has come a long ways from where it was,” said Kukwa.

His work is far from done though. Some close to Kukwa have told him to consider moving on, and to pursue other career options. He will have none of that. Kukwa said he will continue to pursue the NFL as long as there is interest.

About the Author

Mark's an Ohio State graduate who's been with The News-Herald since 1996. He enjoys exercising, reading, writing, cooking, spending time with his family and college football. Reach the author at mpodolski@news-herald.com
or follow Mark on Twitter: @mpodo.